WCG Match-Up Post: Grades and Reviews for Week 16
by Dominique Blanton on Dec 29, 2010 8:00 PM CST
in Game Recap
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Mike Martz has his offense finally peaking. It would have been great if they were peaking before the bye week, but with a playoff berth and a 1st round bye clinched, the Bears offense has peaked at a good time that makes them dangerous moving forward. There have been some good offensive games this season, but this past Sunday might have been the best because it defined what Martz's version of the Don Coryell offense is all about, which is big plays downfield.
It seems opposing teams have adjusted to the quick pick and stick throws, and Jay has noticed that. His solution last Sunday was that he believed with the Jets playing a lot of cover-1 with press coverage that his receivers could get off the jam and get open downfield. The receivers did - and Jay did a good job delivering them the football downfield. It was encouraging seeing receivers Devin Hester and Johnny Knox do a great job attacking the football while in the air, and not being too dependent on Jay to deliver the ball perfectly to them. They both have been criticized for not fighting for the ball, but both guys did a great job shielding the defender with their body while still being in position to make a play on the ball.
Last week's WCG Key Match-Up focused on Jay Cutler and how he will attack Darrell Revis. As I expected, they gave Revis the assignment on Devin Hester and Bennett. Both receivers had minimal success against Revis, but he was able to exploit the other man to man assignments the Jets threw at him. For that I will give him an overall A- grade for his performance last Sunday.
Best Play of the game: Jay Cutler's 26 yard touchdown pass to Johnny Knox
I'm sure this was most fans' favorite play of the game because it was just a perfectly thrown ball and Johnny Knox played the ball well. I've been a harsh critic of Knox, but only because I feel that he can be a pretty good receiver in this league if he can learn how to shield defenders with his body and make tough catches. It looks like he has turned the corner with his play last Sunday. For Jay, the play showed what happens when Jay has time to set his feet and step into his throw, even against a pretty good man to man cover guy in Antonio Cromartie.
Worst Play of the game: Jay Cutler's pick 6 to Dwight Lowery
It was a forced throw by Cutler on an attempted out route to Earl Bennett. It looks as if the ball floated on Jay at first, but he actually leaves some off it. When running that type of play, the QB has to put a lot on the ball and the receiver needs to shield the defender and not let him back into the play. This play was on Jay because Bennett wasn't as open on that play as Lowery was in zone and baiting Jay to throw that football.
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Agreed on Knox
his progress was seemingly stalled and I almost felt he was beginning to show signs of regression. He made a quantum leap here in the past 2 games as I think he finally has his head 100 percent wrapped around this offense. The kid has the speed and skills to be a tier 1 wide out and he is finally showing signs of taking it to the next level.
The return of Hesters punt returning mojo means any offensive output at wide out is just gravy, Hester isnt ever going to be Larry Fitzgerald but he sure has found a very productive role in the Martzffense.
I for one hope we dont lose Martz this offseason to a head coaching job, we need another full season for the world to see Cutler really blossom and take his place amongst the NFL elite QBs and another year with Martz and we will see this.
Go Bears, Superbowl trip is not out of the question boys.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Dec 29, 2010 8:22 PM CST reply actions
I don't see Martz getting offered a head coaching job anytime soon.
Franchises will probably want to see a body of work (specifically with the Bears) before turning their team over to him.
I do like that the team is finally came to the conclusion that Devin is not a #1 receiver and is more valuable at special teams that he is at the teams #1.
by Dominique Blanton on Dec 29, 2010 8:33 PM CST up reply actions
How would a superbowl win with the Bears this year work for U
Or a NFC championship game berth? Would either of those put Martz back in the running for a head coaching position? I agree with U that I am leaning towards not yet on a franschise handing Martz the keys to the kingdom and that we can expect him at least another year but you never know.
Cutler will throw for 4000+ yards next year if we can keep this group of coaches around for 2011 and no lock out/strike nonsense. Never thought I would say it but they have put together a pretty solid coaching staff, first time since Rivera left after the superbowl that I have felt this way, interesting coincidence? probably not.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Dec 29, 2010 9:26 PM CST up reply actions
Even with a Super bowl win I don't see Martz as a HC anywhere next year
things ended very badly for him in St. Louis and his time in Detroit and SF are seen as negative experiments. But he could get hired as an OC somewhere else based on that.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
If Chain Gaily can get another head coaching job, I know Martz certainly can.
A Super Bowl win and a strong playoff performance next season would certainly do the trick.
by Dominique Blanton on Dec 30, 2010 2:48 AM CST up reply actions
two strong seasons could do the trick.
You never really know what is going to happen. Two very good years doesn’t mean Lovie will be back after his contract runs out.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
That'd still be 'bad'
Mostly because that’d destroy continuity that we’ve been talking about.
Do we really know that he wants to be a head coach again? Sure, it’s possible, but… if the McCaskey’s pay him like a head coach… he might not leave, being a head coach requires such distinctly different skillsets than being just a pure ‘coordinator’.
I think we kind of forget that when we talk about coaching vacancies… Yes, part of it is bringing in philosophy, but the other part, and the part that I think FO’s look at is… ‘do they bring stability to the position?’. the answer with Martz is still a resounding maybe. If he gets another head coaching position, it’s not going to be just on the merits of how great his offence is doing, but how he handles consistency and adversity. Does he have the necessary personnel skills to handle being a HC again?
Maybe, but I don’t think many FO’s see it that way yet.
Good for us.
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
by awfullyquiet on Dec 30, 2010 9:55 AM CST up reply actions
Lets go out and beat the pack, huh?
If the offense can fire on all cylinders and the D get back from vacation, we gotourselves a super bowl berth, baby
a lot of packer fans
feeling confident the bears wont show up. i think they are in for a surprise
Lou Brown: I'm not much for giving inspirational addresses, but I'd just like to point out that every newspaper in the country has picked us to finish last. The local press seems to think that we'd save everyone the time and trouble if we just went out and shot ourselves. Me, I'm for wasting sportswriters' time. So I figured we ought to hang around for a while and see if we can give 'em all a nice big shitburger to eat!
by LightsOutVegas on Dec 29, 2010 9:36 PM CST up reply actions
Hopefully their team feels the same way
I doubt it, but there’s always a chance!
"He's a great candidate," Ryan said. "If I hadn't made him drop in coverage so often on running backs, he might be the all-time sack leader. They call it zone blitzing nowadays. We called it, 'Richard, pick him up.'" - Buddy Ryan on Richard Dent's HOF chances.
The Pack will come to play, no doubt.
Their playoff lives are at stake. They have everything to lose. This game will be telling for sure. If our Bears “are who we think they are”, then we will win this week.
A loss won’t be devastating, but a win in Lambeau will signal their arrival and silence the critics, except Diflerbag, and Hassnobackup. They will always be critical because that’s how they roll. (With on side of the wheel having a flat spot).
I think we have the horsepower to keep their offense in Check. If we can run the ball effectively they just won’t be able to keep up. I like Rodgers, he’s a good QB, but they have a lot of problems, that even a player of his caliber will struggle to overcome against our passive – aggressive D.
If you don't ask, you don't get. So get on with it already.
by Suffering from Chicago Sports on Dec 30, 2010 9:51 AM CST up reply actions
We've held their offense in check
for 3 consecutive games now. The Bears definitely have a chance if they intend to keep their starters in for most of the game.
I’m sorry, but I’m so sick of hearing that stupid phrase!
"He's a great candidate," Ryan said. "If I hadn't made him drop in coverage so often on running backs, he might be the all-time sack leader. They call it zone blitzing nowadays. We called it, 'Richard, pick him up.'" - Buddy Ryan on Richard Dent's HOF chances.
Pick six
When running that type of play, the QB has to put a lot on the ball and the receiver needs to shield the defender and not let him back into the play
It reminded me of the Hall return on a similar out pattern.
Knox and Hester both seem like they’ve “toughened” up a bit in tight coverage. Go up and get it!
"He's a great candidate," Ryan said. "If I hadn't made him drop in coverage so often on running backs, he might be the all-time sack leader. They call it zone blitzing nowadays. We called it, 'Richard, pick him up.'" - Buddy Ryan on Richard Dent's HOF chances.
The Lowery pick was pretty bad.
No need to force that one… Jay looked good though.
"Welcome to the place where I lazily threaten people and then everyone laughs."
- Kev H
by chicago030 on Dec 29, 2010 10:31 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Jay Cutler has transformed before our very eyes
He really has become something special. The game against the Jets showed that when this offense comes togeather and when everyone is on the same page, we are damn near impossible to beat.
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Dec 29, 2010 10:44 PM CST reply actions
The fact that Martz doesn't have all the personnel to run this system and yet still having success...
…is pretty impressive. When a coryell offense is clicking, its really tough to stop. Just too many ways to attack a defense with that scheme.
by Dominique Blanton on Dec 30, 2010 2:59 AM CST up reply actions
I remember Coryell very well from his time with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Did you know Madden was his DC when he was HC at SD State he was a big name even back then.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
With a big strong good OL he has enough to run his system effectively.
It’s going to be nice to see Bears games with scores that don’t look like a baseball game.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
Cutler had no pressure when he threw that pick 6!
This leads me to believe that Cuter will have at least 1 bone head throw a game……….I think we should just accept it……I think a couple of more years in this system and he would be a top 5 QB ……..
There's no substitute for guts.
-Paul Bear Bryant
by I love football! on Dec 29, 2010 10:46 PM CST reply actions
There is only one Tom Brady
all other QB’s throw some picks
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
I like it
If you go in the bathroom, turn off the lights, and say "Da Coach" 5 times while facing the mirror... Ditka will appear and slap the wussy right out of you.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Dec 30, 2010 11:21 AM CST up reply actions
beginning of the year
you said you said that if Jay cutler would cut his ints down we would make the playoffs
Are you a psychic mr Lester?
he has half of the int’s he had last year and about the same amount of td’s this was dead on
I respect your OPINION but i also value the FACTS, To save time, lets just ASSume IM NEVER WRONG
by Tommy Ohyeah Mcduffie on Dec 31, 2010 11:50 AM CST up reply actions
The line is playing better
And Jay is obviously getting rid of the ball quicker and more decisively. It’s obvious that Cutler is a lot more comfortable with the offense than he was in the first half of the season. The end result is more big plays (and less sacks & INTs).
The pick 6
from my recollection was primarily because Jay threw to Bennett’s inside shoulder. If he thows to the outside (which is where the route was going) no INT IMO. I tried finding a video to no avail. I could be wrong & if anybody has a link it would be great…
It's 106 miles to Chicago, we have a full tank of gas, 1/2 pack of cigarettes...it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses.
lets get forte and. knox 1,000.yards
And deliver that knock out blow to.the pack
by chiguy8506 on Dec 30, 2010 7:36 AM CST via mobile reply actions
interesting that you mention that
That’s something that I think hasn’t been given much attention, even on the chicagobears.com website. They’ve only had one mention that Forte could break 1,000 yards (in their daily Halas Hall blog thing), and nothing about Knox that I’ve seen. Here’s another thing to play for against Green Bay. Lets get Forte (he needs 22 yards rushing) and Knox (he needs 40 yards receiving) over the 1,000 yard season mark. Its been awhile since we’ve had a 1,000 yard receiver & rusher at the same time. Would be nice if Pep, Izzy, or both could get a couple more sacks too. That would put either/both at 10 for the season. Rodgers sacked 4 times (at least)…I like that idea.
As long as the Oline plays well.........
If it keeps playing the way it has the last couple of games we should be solid, shoo we dropped 40 on the team that whipped Vicks butt in his backyard. And we swept the team that held Rogers to 3 points and Defense if you’re gonna be mentioned as the Monsters of the Midway its time to Bear Down!props to Major Wright and his strong tackling prowess and to the one who wears the #46 Chris Harris for killing the Jets drive with his pick! Its Playoff weather and not everyone is invited we need to make a strong statement and seal the deal for our aging veterans Urlacher, Peppers, Harris, Adams, Kruetz, its time for those glory years that Pappa Bear George Halas brought to Chicago to be relived its time to bring in the New Year with what a franchise of 700 plus victories deserves and their die hard fans deserve, The Trophy!
Forte has been impressive
He got 100+ yds on tough D. The week before he ran over a safety and pushed two defenders backwards for 10 yds and that was after a similiar situation where he took a big helmet to helmet hit. He’s tougher then I thought. The offense as a whole has improved. Now we just need the D to step up again.
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